If your essay is due tomorrow and you are reading this, then you’re probably wondering how you’ll get through the next few hours and complete the task. The good news is that it is totally possible to create a great essay even if you don’t have much time. Let’s get started!

Step One: Get Clear on the Prompt (10-15 minutes)

Before you start writing or doing anything, you must clearly understand the essay requirements. This is an essential step as many last-minute writers might make a huge mistake and misinterpret the assignment.

1. Identify keywords like “analyze,” “compare,” “argue,” and “describe.” This will tell you what type of answer is expected from you.
2. Break down the question. Make sure that you understand every part of the prompt and what is required.
3. Underline key elements such as examples, sources, or citations that are mentioned as part of an assignment.

Step Two: Choose a Clear Thesis Statement (15 minutes)

Your thesis statement is the core idea of your essay, and having a clear one will make the writing much faster. Since you don’t have much time for a straightforward approach. The clear, debatable sentence is usually very effective.

1. Keep your statement simple and aim for one sentence that directly answers the prompt
2. Make sure that your statement is backed up by evidence but still has space for argument.

Step Three: Outline Quickly (15-20 minutes)

Create a simple outline, which will be an essential step that you should not skip. An outline allows you to avoid aimless writing and organize your thoughts. In the case of a last-minute essay, your outline doesn’t need to be detailed but clear.

The typical outline consists of:

1. Introduction with your thesis statement
2. Body paragraph 1: first main point with evidence
3. Body paragraph 2: second main point with evidence
4. Body paragraph 3: third main point with evidence
5. Conclusion with a summary of main points and restatement of your thesis.

As you outline body paragraphs, include one or two quick examples or references to speed up the writing process.

Step Four: Do a Quick Research (20-30 minutes)

If your assignment requires outside sources, it’s important to gather credible data as quickly as possible. Use online databases, library websites, and reliable academic sources.

1. Find 2-3 solid sources: For most essays, this will be enough. Look for books, academic journals, and reputable websites such as Google Scholar.
2. Search for key quotes: Don’t read the entire article; instead, save your time by scanning the introduction and key sentences quickly.
3. Cite as you go: Write down all the sources for your bibliography to save time.

Step Five: Start With the Body Paragraphs (30-60 minutes)

When it’s time to start writing, begin with the body paragraph instead of the introduction to make the process smoother. By the time you finish the main part, you will understand how to phrase your introduction and conclusion.

Writing each paragraph:

1. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the following paragraph
2. Follow up with one or two pieces of evidence from your research and explain how they are relevant to the argument.
3. Conclude the paragraph by wrapping up the main idea with one or two sentences to transition smoothly to the next point.

When you have little time, you shouldn’t aim for perfection. Instead, focus on getting words on the page and include all the findings from your research. Also, keep each paragraph focused on one main point, as this will make the paper much more organized in the end.

Step Six: Write the Introduction and Conclusion (20-30 minutes)

As you finish your body paragraphs, it’s time to start writing your introduction. It should be focused on the topic and lead directly into your thesis statement. A short and clear introduction works best when you start abroad to introduce the topic generally. After that, you can narrow the introduction to the main idea and statement.

The conclusion part should be a concise summary, ideally restating your main points in a fresh way. Summarize key points and briefly highlight the arguments that you made. Also, you can rephrase your thesis statement to conclude your essay.

Step Seven: Review and Refine (20-30 minutes)

With the essay drafted, it’s time to polish and tailor it. When you are short of time, you need to prioritize key areas that you should focus on.

• Start by checking clarity and consistency by reading each paragraph to ensure that it clearly communicates your ideas. You might need to remove redundant phrases or unnecessary details.
• Then, fix the grammar and spelling by quickly proofreading and using tools like Grammarly to check for mistakes.
• Lastly, verify citations and ensure each source is correctly cited and matches the required format.

Step Eight: Format and Submit (10-15 minutes)

Don’t forget to format your essay and double-check all the margins, fonts, and spacing guidelines. Review this citation page and ensure that your sources are correctly listed.

The last thing you should do is double-check the submission instructions and name your file properly before sending it.

Conclusion

Writing a last-minute essay is surely stressful. With the right approach, you can handle the task and make it on time. However, if you want to avoid such stress in the future, be sure to request help from our team of experts. We can help you with your essays and your deadlines so that you can take your time and focus on other things. Good luck with your essay.

Karen Palmer

I am an only child (and not spoiled, really) who spent twelve years in Catholic schools and seven more off-and-on years in college, but my education largely took place at the Cahuenga Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. Decades later, not much has changed. I again live in L.A. and I still spend a lot of time at the library — if I had to choose between reading and eating, I’d be dead in a week.